Introduction
The Magic Meathands Comedy Ensemble is a community-based, community-focused
performing company based in Los Angeles, California. Founded on June 1, 2007 our
mission is to provide traditional and non-traditional audiences with entertaining events
in their community. This is achieved by teaming up with local troupes in their own
cities, partnering with organizations committed to community health, and maintaining
regular engagements on LA’s Westside. Now in our fourth year, The Magic Meathands
Comedy Ensemble has performed almost 300 shows in 12 different cities.
The Magic Meathands Comedy Ensemble is a community-based, community-focused
performing company based in Los Angeles, California. Founded on June 1, 2007 our
mission is to provide traditional and non-traditional audiences with entertaining events
in their community. This is achieved by teaming up with local troupes in their own
cities, partnering with organizations committed to community health, and maintaining
regular engagements on LA’s Westside. Now in our fourth year, The Magic Meathands
Comedy Ensemble has performed almost 300 shows in 12 different cities.
| Real people. Funny people. Real funny people. |
Company Values
Teamwork: Improvised comedy theatre is most often performed in the context of an ensemble. The success of an ensemble cast relies
on a diverse and balanced body of contributions made on any given night. For us, “yes, and” is not just a mantra for a staged moment
but a philosophy that fosters trust and respect in our working relationships.
Creativity: Creativity is an inherently human trait. It is generated by an explosion of energy that affects and inspires everything around
it. As improvisers we put that explosion on display in front of live audiences so that audiences. By creating the proper environment,
creativity can thrive and facilitate growth in its members as well as fulfilling entertainment for our audiences.
Courage: Few activities take more courage than improvised comedy theatre. Actors take the stage without a script with the
determination to create one before a live audience. For the improviser, courage is a choice that we repeatedly make. Purpose calls
courage into being. By focusing on the single goal of bringing joy and laughter to an audience, we are able to deliver in any environment
with esteem and confidence.
Action: Action speaks the loudest in life and in the theatre. The Magic Meathands approach to theatrical improvisation evokes emotion
which drives action which then drives words. We favor dynamic theatrical presentations that involve an active use of the space over work
that is driven primarily by dialogue.
Awareness: Nothing can be made real on stage without agreement and teamplay. One cannot with something that they have not heard
or perceived. Therefore, listening is the improviser’s most essential task. For the actor and improviser “listening” is done with more than
just one’s ears but with their eyes and their hearts. For us, success begins with good listening.
Teamwork: Improvised comedy theatre is most often performed in the context of an ensemble. The success of an ensemble cast relies
on a diverse and balanced body of contributions made on any given night. For us, “yes, and” is not just a mantra for a staged moment
but a philosophy that fosters trust and respect in our working relationships.
Creativity: Creativity is an inherently human trait. It is generated by an explosion of energy that affects and inspires everything around
it. As improvisers we put that explosion on display in front of live audiences so that audiences. By creating the proper environment,
creativity can thrive and facilitate growth in its members as well as fulfilling entertainment for our audiences.
Courage: Few activities take more courage than improvised comedy theatre. Actors take the stage without a script with the
determination to create one before a live audience. For the improviser, courage is a choice that we repeatedly make. Purpose calls
courage into being. By focusing on the single goal of bringing joy and laughter to an audience, we are able to deliver in any environment
with esteem and confidence.
Action: Action speaks the loudest in life and in the theatre. The Magic Meathands approach to theatrical improvisation evokes emotion
which drives action which then drives words. We favor dynamic theatrical presentations that involve an active use of the space over work
that is driven primarily by dialogue.
Awareness: Nothing can be made real on stage without agreement and teamplay. One cannot with something that they have not heard
or perceived. Therefore, listening is the improviser’s most essential task. For the actor and improviser “listening” is done with more than
just one’s ears but with their eyes and their hearts. For us, success begins with good listening.
Casting
Auditions are held periodically throughout the year. Prospective members are
invited to submit their resume and bio to the director. Potential new members will
be contacted to set up an audition with the director and members of the ensemble.
Auditions are held periodically throughout the year. Prospective members are
invited to submit their resume and bio to the director. Potential new members will
be contacted to set up an audition with the director and members of the ensemble.
Training
New members of the Magic Meathands Comedy Ensemble begin performing on a limited basis
while working out with the Meathands and learning our various performance formats. Regular
active members have free access to a minimum of one workshop in addition to the monthly
mandatory rehearsal as well as priority spaces for the Performer’s Workshop, a quarterly in-
service training by a highly qualified guest instructor.
New members of the Magic Meathands Comedy Ensemble begin performing on a limited basis
while working out with the Meathands and learning our various performance formats. Regular
active members have free access to a minimum of one workshop in addition to the monthly
mandatory rehearsal as well as priority spaces for the Performer’s Workshop, a quarterly in-
service training by a highly qualified guest instructor.
Live Performances
The Magic Meathands Comedy Ensemble is best known in the community for
its Comedy Outreach Project, a series of shows that take place in community
centers, churches, schools, and transitional housing facilities. In addition to
these shows and regular engagements at venues on the Westside, The Magic
Meathands also travel to nearby cities to perform along side other improv
troupes. These groups have included Improv Shmimprov (Fullerton), the High
Desert Rats (Victorville), Jumpstart Improv (Hermosa Beach).
The Magic Meathands Comedy Ensemble is best known in the community for
its Comedy Outreach Project, a series of shows that take place in community
centers, churches, schools, and transitional housing facilities. In addition to
these shows and regular engagements at venues on the Westside, The Magic
Meathands also travel to nearby cities to perform along side other improv
troupes. These groups have included Improv Shmimprov (Fullerton), the High
Desert Rats (Victorville), Jumpstart Improv (Hermosa Beach).
Web Series and New Media
The Meathands currently produce “Magic Meathands
Originals” an ongoing series of original sketches that
are posted on Youtube, Facebook, and our official
website. Members of the ensemble are welcome to
submit sketches at our bimonthly sketch meeting. Active
members receive top priority in sketch casting.
Additionally standout live performance video is also
posted.
The Meathands currently produce “Magic Meathands
Originals” an ongoing series of original sketches that
are posted on Youtube, Facebook, and our official
website. Members of the ensemble are welcome to
submit sketches at our bimonthly sketch meeting. Active
members receive top priority in sketch casting.
Additionally standout live performance video is also
posted.
Copyright © 2007 Bill Johnson Productions, LLC. All rights reserved.
The Magic Meathands is a registered trademark of Bill Johnson Productions,
LLC. Website created by Mike Thompson.
The Magic Meathands is a registered trademark of Bill Johnson Productions,
LLC. Website created by Mike Thompson.
COMEDY ENSEMBLE MEMBERSHIP
| Company Values | Casting | Training | Live Performances | Web Series The Century Club | Alumni | Membership Dues |
Contact us: (310) 600-6109 Bill Johnson, Director
(310) 979-8676 Nikki Turner, Promotions
(310) 979-8676 Nikki Turner, Promotions
The Century Club
The Magic Meathands award members who eclipse 100 shows with a celebratory roast and
presentation of the Century Club award. Century club members have greater access to shows and
priority for paid engagements.
Century Club members:
Nikki Turner, Shane Boroomand, Corey Blake, and Mary Benedict
Club Alumni:
Andrew Pari, Dawn Akemi, and Heather Brumley
The Magic Meathands award members who eclipse 100 shows with a celebratory roast and
presentation of the Century Club award. Century club members have greater access to shows and
priority for paid engagements.
Century Club members:
Nikki Turner, Shane Boroomand, Corey Blake, and Mary Benedict
Club Alumni:
Andrew Pari, Dawn Akemi, and Heather Brumley
Membership Dues
Active members pay a dues of $45/month paid in three-month increments. Active members are
provided:
Active members pay a dues of $45/month paid in three-month increments. Active members are
provided:
- Free classes
- Live performances
- Participation in web series and new media projects
- Low cost advanced instruction by guest teachers
Alumni
Magic Meathands Alumni and workshop participants have included a number of
professional actors, screenwriters, comedians, TV show hosts, broadcast
journalists, authors and performers from all walks of life in our short history. Most
notably:
Magic Meathands Alumni and workshop participants have included a number of
professional actors, screenwriters, comedians, TV show hosts, broadcast
journalists, authors and performers from all walks of life in our short history. Most
notably:
Theresa Tilly - Actress, Evil Dead
Jason M. Palmer - Comedy
Writer, Everybody Hates Chris &
Are We There Yet?
Writer, Everybody Hates Chris &
Are We There Yet?
